Day 5 - 335 -- Community Celebration

A quiet Sunday at home led to putting up the tree -- artificial due to allergies. Setting this up in the living room after hauling it up from the basement was a bit of a workout. <smile>  Once I got the branches looking reasonable, I stopped for the day. The furry one needs to get used to this favourite item being back in his domain. His excitement showed as he raced around and then laid in the branches and purred. In a few days, I'll add lights and then ornaments a few days later.  Staging it works for me, too, helping me see the process as enjoyable and not a 'job'.

This evening I attended a celebration of the lives of a husband and wife who had made this town their home. He had been a retired music professor who worked with the coal miner's chorale group since its inception for Canada's centennial in 1967. He directed them for 50 years. He and his wife were also instrumental in developing a local L'Arche community. The celebration involved the Men of the Deeps, L'Arche, cathedral choir, local musicians, and dignitaries. There were memories shared and much wonderful music. Three of their grand-daughters sang a lovely farewell, while all seven had carried items for the memory table at the front of the sanctuary. These were well loved people, as witnessed by the cathedral being nearly full -- it seats about 750. The service brought much laughter and a few poignant moments. It truly reflected these two amazing lives.

Getting the tree up and being part of the celebration this evening made me think of the holiday season that has begun. The feeling hasn't arrived for me yet. The lyrics of a song cover what the tree signifies today. Bit by bit, we'll get there. <smile> Enjoy!

Step into Christmas -- Elton John